Hydraulic press



Aug. 14, P. E. FLOWERS ETAL HYDRAULIC PRESS Filed Feb. 23, 1942' 10 Sheets-Sheet l Al 5! C D! El F-I 2 \14 I 4,2. g] v La 58 86 WALTER ERNST Holman F. MacmLuu 'Au .14,1945. I YE.FI OWER'SYETAL 2,382,046

HYDRAULIC PRESS Filed Fe 2:5, 1942 10 Sheds-Sheet '2 DRMlNe Pwrm -l} .auuxmeaaumuuoim g QB-nmcJOCD B INVENTORS PAUL E.- FLOWERS WALTER ERNST ATTORNN Aug. 14, 1945. P. E. FLOWERS ETAL 2,382,046

HYDRAULIC PRESS Filed Feb. 25, 1942 10 SheetsSheet 5 JE'IEr-Ei D P. E FLdwERs ETAL 2,382,046

HYDRAULIC PRESS I Filed Feb. 25, 1942 10 Sheets-SheetB Aug. 14, 1945. P. E. FLOWERS ETAL HYDRAULIC PRESS l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Feb. 23, 1942 ZZZ HONAQD E MACMILLIN 7 BY Joalmo'rv 6i Jam ATTORNEYS P. E. FLOWERS ET AL HYDRAULIC PRESS Aug. 14, 1945.

Filed Feb. 23, 1942 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Aug. 14, 1945. P. E. FLOWERS ETAL' 2,382,046

HYDRAULI C PRES S Filed Feb. 23', 1942 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 MQ WFMH Ova muL IE. FLOWERS WALTER ERNS l HUNA D F. MACMILLIN BY (Jame 14, 1945- v 1P. E. FLOWERS ET AL 2,382,046

v HYDRAULIC PRESS Filed Feb; 23, 1942 10 Shee-ts-She'e t 1o Slbo.

ure 1.

Patented Aug. 14, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE masonic mass Paul E. Flowers, Shaker Heights; a waiter Ernst and Howard F. MacMillin, Mount Gilead. Ohio, asaignors to The Hydraulic Development Corporation, Inc., Wilm tion of Delaware lngton, Dei., a corpora- Appiication February 23, 1942, Serial No. 432,028

16 Claims.

This invention relates to hydraulic machinery and, in particular, to hydraulic presses having drawing means for drawing a work piece, such as sheet metal,- and bl'ankholding means for hold-' ing the work piece while it is being drawn.

Heretofore, special machinery, such as a blankingorshearingpresawaarequiredtocutthe work Piece to its desired size before it was transa drawing press which, will makeit Possible to blank and draw a work piece during one and the same working cycle. 1 g

Another object of the invention consists in the provision of a combined blanking and drawing press, which comprises means for automatically conditioning the press first for blanking and thereupon for drawing.

It is still another object to provide a hydraulic press having a drawing plunger and blankholder means, in which the blankholder means first actuates shearing means for cutting a blank to its desired size and thereupon holds the thus sized blank clamped for the actual drawing operation.

It is a still further object to provide a hydraulic press having a drawing plunger and blankholder means, in which the blankholder means is hydraulically locked to the drawing plunger for a predetermined portion of the working stroke thereof and is movable relativeto said drawing. plunger during the rest of the said working stroke. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the following specification in connection companying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 diagrammatically illustra according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a simplified wiring diagram'for the electric circuit associated with the press of Figwith the ac- Figure 3 shows delaying means which may be used in connection with the press of Figure 1.v

Figures '4, 5 and 8 indicate three different 3 phases of operation of the press of Figure 1.

res-spec Figure 7 is a graph illustrating the operation of the drawing plunger and the blank holder. Figure 8 is an energization chart showing, in connection with Figure 'l, the periods of energization and deenergization of the various solenoids in Figure 2.

Figure 9 illustrates a modification of, the present invention. 7

Figure ioisawirin diagrampertainingtothe structure of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is another modification of the present invention.

wiring diagram pertaining to Fig- Figure 12 is a ure 11.

Figure 13 shows a further modification of the present invention.

Figure 14 indicates the wiring diagrampertaining toFigui'e 13.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the present invention in connection with a drawing press having its blankholder mean operable independently oi the drawing means.

General arrangement The present invention concerns a drawing press having a drawing plunger and blankholder means for holding the work piece during the drawing operation.

According to the invention, the blankholder means is adapted to cooperate with shearing means for blanking a work piece and is so controlled that, during a predetermined portion of the working stroke, the blankholder means actuates saidshearing means to blank or cut a work 'piece to size, whereupon the blankholder means is brought into position for holding the thus blanked. work piece during the drawing operation performed by the drawing plunger. J The inventionapplies to presses having blank- 40 holder operable independently of the drawin P unger and also topresses in which the clamping pressure exerted upon the. blankholder means is created .by' movement-of the press plunger relativetovsai'd blankholder. means. In

" presses having blankholder means operable inde pendently offthe drawing "plunger, the blankholdermeans is; first actuated at an increased pressure-for performing theblanking operation,

and is then held under a lowerpressure .to allow thed'esiredslipping of the work-piece during the drawing operation. In presses in which the ping'pressur'e exertedupon the blankholder means is createdgby movement-of the drawing plunger. relative to the blankholder means, the

' M blankholder and the drawing plunger are cation of the conduit 33 with a conduit 36 com- As soon as the blanking operation is completed,

or about to be completed, means become effective which allow a reduction in the pressure exerted upon the blankholder means, while permitting the latter to hold the work piece in clamped. position and allowing the drawing plunger to move relative to said blankholder means.

Structural arrangement Referring now to the drawings in detail and in particular to Figure 1 thereof, the press illustrated therein comprises a press head I having a main cylinder 2 and auxiliary cylinders 3 and 4.

Reciprocably mounted in the main cylinder 2 is a press ram 5 connected in any convenient manner with a main platen 6. Provided in the upper portion of the main cylinder 2 is a surge valve 1 extending into a fluid reservoir or surge tank 9. Connected with the surge valve I by meansof a conduit 9 is a main cylinder release and pump by-pass valve Ill. The surge valve 1. serves primarily for prefllling the main cylinder 2 when the ram 5 moves downwardly by gravity, whereas the main cylinder release and pump by-pass valve i is intended to release the pressure in the upper portion of the main cylinder 2 prior to the actual retraction stroke of the said ram to thereby facilitate the starting of said retraction stroke.

The valves 1 and I0 do not form a part of the present invention and for a more detailed description thereof reference may respectively be had to U. S. Patent No. 2,193,248 to-Ernst and to the Ernst patent application, Serial No. 286,063, filed July 24, 1939.

Communicating with the valve III is a conduit ll leading to a conduit l2 which, in its turn,has one end connected to the upper portion of. the

main-cylinder 2, while the other end leads to one side of a reversible variable delivery pump l3, which pump may be of any standard design. The other side of the pump l3 communicates through a conduit l4 with the lower portion of the main cylinder 2 and comprises a check valve l 5 adapted to admit fluid from the tank 8 into the conduit l4, while preventing the reverse flow. The conduit 9 is furthermore connected with the conduit l2 by means of conduit 9a. Branching oil from r able by a link system, generally designated 2|, for

prising an adjustable pressure relief valve 39, of.

any standard d s n, and leading to the tank 3. Connected to the valve member 36 is an armature 43 which is controlled by a valve solenoid 4| in such a manner that ener ization of the solenoid 4| causes the valve member 36 to move into its upper position, thereby establishing fluid connection between the conduits 33 and 39.

The cylinder 4 also communicates through conduit 42 with a check valve 43 adapted to admit fluid from the tank 3 into the cylinder 4, while a conduit with a two-way valve 46 which in varying the stroke and, thereby, the delivery of 3 the pump l3. The link system 2| comprises a 1 three arm lever 22 shiita-ble about a pivot 22a.

One arm of the lever 22 is connected by alink 23 with an armature 24 controlled by the pump 5 solenoid 25.

Another arm 26 of the three arm I lever 22 is adapted to be engaged by a push rod 21 which, in its turn, is adjustably connected to thejplaten arm 29 carried by the main platen 6.

I The main platen 6 comprises clamping cylinders 29 and 3B which communicate through a hollow Communicating with the cylinder 4 is a conduit 33' leading to a two way valve 34 which latter i comprises a casing 35 (see Figure 4) and a valve 5 member 36 reciprocable in said casing. -A spring 3I continuouslyurges the valve member 36 into its lower position in which it prevents communipreventing the reverse flow.

The cylinder 3 likewise communicates with a check valve 44 for a similar purposeas the check valve 43. The cylinder 3 communicates through its structurefully corresponds to that of the valve 34, so that the corresponding elements carry the same numerals, however, with the additional letter a. The valve 46 also communicates with a pressure relief valve 39a through a conduit 3911 leading to the tank 8, while the valve member 361: is adaptedto be controlled by a solenoid 4la.

The main platen 6 supports the drawing plunger 41 which is adapted to pass through the bore .43 in the blank holder 49 to shape a work piece 56 in cooperation with the die 5| supported by the press bed 52. The die 5| comprises a central member 53 surrounded by an outer member 54, which latter can'ies strippers, 55 continuously urged upwardly by springs 56.

The blank holder 49'comprises a supporting member 51 carrying a shearing or blanking of the main platen 6. The main platen 6 carries connecting rods 62, which, by means of-the collars 64, 65 adiustably mounted on the rods 62, 63, are adapted to hold the blank holder 49 suspended on the main platen 6 and to determine the maximum distance between said main platen and said blank holder.

The diagram of Figure 2 pertaining to the press of Figure 1 comprises a main supply line and a number of contactor solenoids, A, B, C, D, E and F, having one endthereoi' connected to the main supply line 61. Each of the contactor solenoids controls one or more switches. To facilitate the reading of the diagram, the switch or switches controlled by each contactor solenoid is orare arranged in a vertical row numbered with the same letter'as the respective contactor solenoid, however, with the exponent 1. The switches controlled by each contactor solenoid are designated with small letters corresponding to the capital letters of. the contactor solenoids and are diflerentiatedamong each other by indices. As will be seen. from Figure 2, for instance, the contactor solenoid A controls the switches a1, as, oz, and a4, arranged in the vertical row A Connected with the main supply line 66 is a main switch 63 adapted, when closed, to connect the main supply line 66 with the normally closed safety switch 69. The switch 69 in its turn is connected with the line Ill. The line Ill com- I6, I9 and 96 respectively with the normally open switches d1, d1, a: and b2, the normally closed switch ca and the normally closed limit switch H9 Theinormally V I closure of the normallyopenswitch 1b; to com-f rnuni cate 'with the [Illeading'toztheitdm tactor solenoid C. frolnjthe line m is a line m adapted.'by closure of-'the switch asaaoss and the-normallyopen switches ea. or, d: and bl. The line ll communicates witha line Ii adapted, by closure 01' the starter switch O2, to be connected with the line 03. Arranged parallel to the switch I! is a selector switch .4 and a repeat switch I.

The line II is adapted to communicate through the switch blade Ila pertaining to the hilh tonnage control valve It with the position operated limit switch It which, in its turn, communicates through line ll with'the contactor solenoid A. The switch in communicates with the switch bl which, in itsturn, is connected through a line It withthe line II. The switch d1 is adapted, when closed, to establish communication between theline I! and the line l| The switch dl comprises a stationary contact it (see Figure 3) and a movable contact ll, which has associated therewith a dash-pot arrangement, generally designated ll. Thedash-pot arrangement I comprises a connecting rod 92 having a cup shaped end ll connected to a piston N with a relatively large bore 95 therein. Reciprocable within the cup shaped end 93 and adapted to partially close on side of the bore 95 is a disc 6 with asmail openi 91 therein. The piston 01 is reciprocable ina cylinder 98 having a small bleeder opening to therein and an adjustable needle valve ll... l

The connecting rod 92 has adiustably mounted t er n a ol a d pted to en age-a lever It: which, in its turn, engages one end of-a spring solenoidAis'energised and remainsenergiaed math ill, the other'end oi' which' engages the contact OI. The leve'l-- III. i pivoted about a pivot Ill and is pivotally connected to an armaturelll controlled by the contactor solenoid. D. The armature IN is continuously-urged downward1y,

the line III, while the normally closed switch (I:

3 so as to delay the'closing oi' the or,- while with regard to Figure 3, by means of a spring I. r The normally open switch misadaptedto com-,.- municate with the normally closed switch (b by the dash-pot arrangement pertaining to the switchdamaybeadiust'edsoastobediil'erent iromthatoftheswitchdl. Thes'witchblwhen closed, establishes electric connection between the lines 80 and Ill leading to the contactor solenoid 1". 1 "Alsoconnectedwiththemsinsuppiylinetlis a line I" comprising, in parallel arrangement. the valve solenoids ti and lid and leading to the normally open switch I which, when closed, establishes electric connection between the lines Ill and lit, which latter leads to the main supply line "I. o

Reierringnow tol'igures and 8,-l'igure'l has plotted onits abscissa the total distance over which the press ram and blankholde'r move during a complete cycle. while the speed or the press ram and blankholder, during this cycle, is plotted on the ordinate.

Figure 8 lists, in a vertical row, the starter switch and various solenoids of the circuit shown in Figure 2, while thehoriaontal rows show lines indicating the period over whichthe starter switch is closed and the solenoids are energized and' deenergized. .I t tori-instance; be from Figure'B, in connection with Figure 'I, that shortly after. the closure of the starter switch It, the

the blanking operation is well under way. It will .aiso'be seen that the press ram and blankholder start moving only after the solenoid II has been energised, which solenoid stays energised slightly longer than the solenoid A.

To carry out a working cycle of the press shown in Figure l, the operator inserts a work piece ll between the outer member 54 and the shearing or blanking means It, as shown in Figure 4, and then starts the pump it and closes the main switch It and also the starter switch :2. As a result thereof, current iiows from the main supply line I through switches ",II and .2, switchblade Isa; switch as, line 01, contactor solenoid allowing an immediate opening thereof. Br anch c to communicate With-the normally closed tactor solenoid E. Y Connected'to the Supp y .ingoii! from the m n a line-1 't' .iine f g-l sole; noidli andleadin'g open switch e which, vwhen closed, electrics-conenection between the lines, flitnd; I leading to 1- themain supply 11.} is o osed;-iestablishes fluid The switchoz, when connection l etween =lthe' linel l' and thesolenoid- III which, in its turn,- is conneoted' with-the m'ain supply line :1. J-moswitch d: has a dash-pot arrangement, the structure of which may fully correspond to thatshown in Figureji so that a further description thereor does not appear to be necessary. However, the delaying action of A and main supply line 61. In this way, contactor solenoid A is energized, which causes closure of the switches cl; as. and as. while opening the normally closed switch as. Closure of the switch all has no eiifect at this time, since the switch bl is still open. Closure otthe switch a: establishes an energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid B, which comprises the main supply line I, switches it and II, lines II, It, switch (is, normally closed" switch dz; line I", contactor solenoid B and main supply line I. Energization of the contactor solenoid B closes theswitches bl,'b1, b: and b4.

switch in is closed at this time. This holding circult comprises the main supply line it, switches a and cs, line 1|, swltchesal and In, line :1, con- .circu it'ior-the;contactor solenoid}; which ener-' gizing circuit-comprises main, 1.", u and, line 10, switch-aniline Us, l ontactor solenoid E and mainsup'plyline -Energization or the'c'ontacto'r solenoi s closure of the switch e,'therebyclosing;the enorgizing' circuit for the-pump oolonold' rl, which energizing circuit comprisesmain supply line '0,

"line I I 4, pump solenoid 2!, line Ill and supply line '1.

Closure of the switchhl establishes an energis- Closure'of the switch bl establishes a holding circuit for the contactor solenoid A, since the t -f time. I

gizing circuit for the valve solenoids 4| and Ma,

' which circuit comprises main supply line 68, line I", valves 4| and Ma, switch I and main supply line 31.

Energization'of the pump solenoid 25 causes the latter to move the armature 24 downwardly, thereby shifting the pump I3 by its link system 2| into full delivery forward stroke position, so that the pump delivers fluid through conduit I2 into the upper portion of the main cylinder 2, while withdrawing fluid from the lower portion thereof through conduit I4.. The ram and, thereby, also i the main platen I and blankholder 43 move downwardly as fast as fluid is withdrawn from the lower portion of the main cylinder-2. In this way the 1 ram 5 and blankholder 43 perform their fast traverse stroke, as correspondingly marked in Figure 7. Due to this downward movement, also the pistons 3| and 32 move downwardly and create a suction eilect in the respective cylinders 4 and 3, which will cause the check valves 43 and 44 to admit fluid from the tank 8 into the cylinders 4 and 3 and from there into the clamping cylinders 23 and II respectively.

It should be noted that, due to the energization of the valve solenoids 4| and Ho, the'respective valve members it and 36a have been moved downwardly into the position shown in Figure 5, in which they interrupt fluid connection of the cylinders 4 and 3 with the tank I through the respective valves 34 and 48. During the downward movement of the ram 5 described thus far, the

surge valve I is open and admits fluid from the tank 8 into the upper portion of the main cylinder 2 As soon as the shearing or blanking means'SB contacts the work piece 5|, pressure begins to build up in the upper portion of the main cylinder 2, which pressure closes the surge valv I. Fur- I thermore, the ram 5 and, thereby, the main platen i begin to move relative to the blankholder 49 and, thereby, also to the pistons SI and BI connected thereto with the result that the pressure in the clamping cylinders 23 and 3| causes the check valves 43 and 44 to close. Since, on the other hand, the fluid in the cylinders 23 and 30 is now trapped (as previously mentioned, the

valve members 36 and 38a are in the position shown in Figure 5), the ram 5 and the blankholder 43, as well as the shearing or blanking means 58 connected thereto, are hydraulically interlocked, and the full pressure exerted upon the ram 5 is conveyed'to the shearing or blanking I means 58, which now cuts the work piece 50, as

indicated in Figure 5.

When, during this blanking operation, a predetermined high pressure is built up in the upper portion of the press cylinder 2, this high pressure is conveyed through conduits I2 and H to the high tonnage control valve I8, while the still closed valve III prevents this pressure from being conveyed to'the low tonnage control valve IS.

The high tonnage control valve II, therefore,

, opens its switch blade Ila. Opening oi the switch blade Ila breaks the energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid A, so that the switches a1, a2

a and u; again open, while the switch a: closes.

Opening of the switch or has no additional efl'ect Ill) at this time. Opening of the switch a: does not II ailect the energization of the contactor solenoid 13, since the solenoid B remains energized through the holding circuit comprising main supply line 88, switches 68 and 68, line I0, line I4, now cloud switch bz, line I", closed switch-dz, line I08, contactor solenoid B and main supply line 61.

Opening of the switch a; breaks the energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid E, so that the switch e opens and the pump solenoid 25 is deenergized. As a result thereof, a spring (not shown) in the servomotor 20 actuates the link system 2| so as to move the lever 22 in anticlockwise direction, thereby shifting the pump l3 into full delivery retraction stroke position. Consequently, pressure from the pump I3 now flows through the conduit I4 into the lower portion of the -main cylinder 2, while fluid is withdrawn through conduit I2 from th upper portion of the main cylinder 2. The ram 5, therefore, moves slightly upwardly. At the same time, at which I the switch a4 opens, the switch as closes.

Closure of the switch as establishes an energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid C, which energizing circuit comprises main supply line 66, switches 68 and 69, line Ill, line 15, closed switches 83 and b3, line I I0, contactor solenoid C and main supply line 61. Energization of the contactor solenoid C causes closure of the switches or and c2. Closure of the switch 01 has no additional eifect at this time. Closure of the switch cz establishes an energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid D, which circuit comprises main supply lin ii, switches 88 and 69, line Ill, line 11, switch 0:, line I I2, contactor solenoid D and main supply l ne 61.

Energization of the contactor solenoid D causes the switch d: to open and the switches d and d: to close. Opening 01' the switch d2 breaks the energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid B so that the switches b1, b2, b3 and b4 again open. Opening of the switches in and be has no additional effect at this time. Opening of the switch Us has no effect on the solenoid C, since the latter is held energized by its holding circuit, which circuit comprises main Supply line 66, switches 88 and 69, line It, lines I8, Illl and H0, contactor solenoid C and main supply line 81. Opening of the switch in deenergizes the contactor solenoid F and, thereby, causes the switch I to open so that the valve solenoids H and Ma become deenergized. As a result thereof, the springs 31 and 31a cause the valves 46a and 46 to open and the excessive pressure in the clamping cylinders 23 and 33 is released through their respective pressure relief valves 33 and 39a into the tank 8. While this occurs, the blanking means 58 has cut through the work piece 50.

As was previously mentioned, the contactor solenoid D was energized and, therefore, in addition to opening the switch (12, closes the switches di and d3. However, due to the dash-pot arrangement associated with the switches di and da, the actual closure of the said switches is somewhat delayed, so that they will close shortly'after the blanking means 58 has actually out through the work piece II. Moreover, the dash-pot arrangement of switch d: is preferably so adjusted that 'it closes slightly after the switch d1 has closed. Closure of the switch d1 establishes an energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid A, which energizing circuit comprises main supply line 80, switches 83 and 69, lines II and I2, switch 51, li'nle ll, contactor solenoid A and main supply Energization oi the contactor solenoid A again closes the switches or, an, and (14, while opening vindex-s 2! and II releasedthroughthenowopenvalvesltandlla.

'Clcsure'oi'theswitchd: energinesthe valve solenoid I2I,sothatthevalve I2Iestablishesfluid connection between the conduits I2l and I22. The ram 8 now continues its downward moveand any excessive pressure is Thispressing actionisillustratedin-Flgure 6.

When, at the end of the pressing,operation,-a

' predeterminedpressureisestablishedintheupper portion 01' the press cylinder 2, this pressure is conveyed through conduits I1, I20 and I22 to the retraction stroke or the ram low tonnage control valve "so as to cause the latter to open its switch blade Ila. It' will be.

noted that this pressure is not suflicient to open the high tonnage control valve II; Opening of the switch blade we break; the energizing circuit ciandcs'open. Openingottheswitchcrhasno additional eilect. ,0pening ot the switch 0:

breaks the energizingfcil'cultior the contactor assaoss 5 switches. ciosureotthsswitcharhasno wmpiitosubstantiallyneutralornodelivery ectatthistime. Closm'eottheswitchas positiom'lhepressthencomestoahaltwhile likewise hasnoeilect,slncetheswitchdais allpartsoccupythepositionshowninl'iguresi openatthistime. Openingottheswitchmlikand2. Thepressisthenreadytoranewcycle. wise has no eilect at this time. and closure or 5 It i'ull automatic operation 'is desired, i. e., an the switch It energizes the contactor solenoid E, automatic restart oithe press when the ram has so that the switch e again closes andestablishes reached the end oi its retraction stroke, the sethe energizing circuit for the pump solenoid 2| lector switchlHFigure 2) isclosedsothat when, hergization otthe pumpsolenoid 2| againputs at the end of the retraction stroke, the arm 28 closes the switch II, the contactor solenoid A is again energized and initiates a new cycle, in the manner previously described.

While the operation of the press has been described so that, at the completion of the advancing stroke, the retracticn stroke is initiated by actuation of the low tonnage control valve II, it is, or course, understood that the retraction stroke couldalsobeinitiatedbymeansottheposition limit switch I II which is in series with the switch blade Ila, controlled by the low tonnage control valve II. The limit switch II! is arranged so that it canbe moved out of the path of the arm I24 connected to the blankholder platen t when operation, of the low tonnage control valve I! is It is also to be understood 5 at the end ol. the eil'ected by means of instead oi the high tonnage control valve II. In this instance, the limit switch byan arm or cam connected to the platen l shortly after or at a predetermined point during the blanking operation.

blanking operation may be Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, illustrating the modification of theinvent'iomthe latterprimarily diners from that of Figure lfinjthat a solenoid Dso thatth latter causes its switchesv dianddatoagainopenwhiletheswitchdscloses again. Opening of the switch'drbreaks'the energizing circuit for the solenoid'A so that the switches or, arr-and tuswitch In closes. Opening of .the switch or has no additional effect. Opening oi'the switch Ila has likewise no eflect since, due to the delayed closing, action or the switch v athe latterwillnot close beioretheswitchazopena Ciosureottheswitch ashasno.eflect,sinee.-atthistime,tlmswitchba isopen.

Opening oi-the switch cu came; deenergisation so! E so the switch a opens and breaks the torrthe pumpsolenoidll- As'aresultth'ereoflthespring 1 in the servomotor 2| II common solenoid controls the valve controlling the fluid connection between the clamping cylinders and a pressure relief valve, and the valve controlling fluid connection betweenjthe advancing side of, the ram and the low tonnage control valve. More speciilcally,'the press cylinder I 2i communicates through a conduit I28 with a twoway valve I2I adapted to eflect fluid connection between the conduit I2! and the conduit i 2' lead ing to atonnage control valve I28 which, at the. completion ,of the advancing stroke or the press 7 ram Ill, initiates the retraction stroke of said ram. 'lhe' tonnage control valve I2! communicates, with aeondu'it III :which, in-the usual manner, is wi h i d a m;

into full deliveryretraction strokejpcsition, in they theretracflonstrokeottberam-l.

manner previously xplained,

before the solenoid:

s nceenergised. the-switch d: deenergizing the'v'alve solenoid lil'so that' sol-m n; I

the valve I2I again;

ramicontinuesitsretractionstrokeandwhen g theplatenihasmowedupwardlytosuchanextent that the collars u abut theblankholder u, the

' clamping cylinders III m is connectedwith-a m platen I J2,'which'corresponds to the platen tin Figure I, therein. Recip rocably' in the clamping cylinders III are clamping plungers I connected to the blankhom r-4a,. which corresponds-to-the b lankholder I. of Figure 1 and is adapted 'toreceive and support blanking means similar to the blanking means: I i-or Figure 1. "The clamping-cylinders I" communicate through conduits III and Ill 7 with "a two-way valve m, adapted to er ct fluid latteris picked up and moved upwardly together "withtheraml. Whentheblankholderllhas reached a predetermined point during its retraction stroke'sothattheblankingmeansll has cleared the outer member N, the strippers II eject the'portions ofthewnrkpiecewhlchwere" previously cut oil during the blanking operation, into a waste collector, not shown in the drawings.

Whentheramlapproachestheendoiitsretractionstroke,thearm2l,bymeansoi'therod 2l,actuatesthethreearmlever 22sothatthe latter.bymeansoi'the m e .shiitsthe connection {between the clamping cylinders. Ill and the conduit I39 leading to a pressure relief valve .III which, in its turn, communicates through a conduit Ill with-the tank,.similar to thatshowninl'igurel.

The valve members I42 and Iltpertaining to the valves I21 and Ill respectively, are pivotally' connected through links I and I withan armature I, which is controlled by a solenoid Il'l. Connected to one-end of the armature Ill is a spring I, having its other endattachedto.

a stationary point Ill." 'lhe spring lllcontinuthat'the temporary ously urges the armature I48 toward the left so that the valve members I42 and I43 are pulled toward the armature I45 for preventing fluid connection between the conduits I28 and I28 and between the conduits I35 and I88. v

The control circuit for the modification of Figure 9 is shown in Figure 10 and will be best understood ,when discussing a complete cycle of the press of Figure 9. To initiate a cycle of the press, the operator closes the starter switch I48 so that current flows from the main supply line I58 through the starter switch I48 and contactor solenoid II to the main supply line I52. Energization of the contactor solenoid I5I causes its switch blades I53 and I54 to move into closin position. Closure of the switch blade I53 establishes a holding circuit for the solenoid I 5I which holding circuit comprises main supply line I50,

switch blade I28a, emergency switch I55, blade I53 and main supply line I 52. The switch blade I28a forms a part. of the tonnage control valve I 23 and is opened thereby in response to a predetermined pressure acting on the tonnage control valve I25. Closure of the switch blade I54 establishes an energizing circuit for the pump solenoid 25a, which latter corresponds to the pump solenoid 25 in Figure 1. As a result of the energization of the pump solenoid 25a, fluid from the pump, which may be pump I3, is conveyed through conduit I5'I to the upper portion of the press cylinder I25, while fluid is withdrawn from the lower portion of the press cylinder I25 through the conduit I58. The ram I30, main platen I32 and blankholder I35 then move downwardly in a manner similar to that described in connection with Figure 1. It is, of course, understood that check valves, similar to the check valves 43 and 44 in Figure 1, are associated with the structure of Figure 9 to allow the filling of the clamping cylinders I33. Inasmuch as fluid connection between the conduits I35 and I3] and the conduit I38 is prevented, at this time through the closed valve I38, the press performs its blanking operation in the manner described in connection with Figure 1.

Shortly after the blanking operation has been completed, the main platen I32, or an arm connected thereto, closes the limit switch I 58, thereby nage control valve I28 which then, similar to the tonnage control valve I3 of Figure 1, causes its switch blade I290 to open,-thereby breaking the energizing circuit for the pump solenoid 25a. The ram I30 then starts its retraction stroke and, when it approaches the end of its retraction stroke, opens the normally closed limit switch I83, thereby breaking the energizing circuit forthe contactor solenoid I41 and allowing the spring I48 to close the valves I21 and I38. Furthermore. when approaching the end of its retraction stroke, the platen I 32, similar to the platen 5 of Figure l, shifts the pump, which supplies fluid to the cylinder I25, to neutral. or no delivery position, so that the press comes to a halt and is then ready for a new cycle.

Referring now to Figures lland 12 illustrating a further embodiment of the invention, the same comprise a press cylinder I54 having reciprocably mounted therein a ram I55 which is connected to the main platen I55. The main platen I55 has clamping cylinders I51 in which are reciprocably mounted clamping plungers I58 connected to a blank-holder I58. Similar to the arrangement of Figure 1, the blankholder I58 has a bore I10, through which the press plunger "I may pass, and supports blanking means 283, similar to the balnking means 58 of Figure 1.

The hydraulic circuit for the press of Figure 11 substantially corresponds to that of Figure 1 and will, therefore, be referred to only when describing the operation of the press of Figure 11.

However, in contrast-to the press of Figure l,

' the press of Figure 11 has its press cylinder I84 establishing an energizing circuit for the control solenoid I50, which energizing circuit comprises main supply line I50, switch I53, solenoid I and main supply line I52. .Energization of the solenoid I50 causes switch blade I5I to close and thereby to establish a holding circuit for the solenoid I50. Energization of the solenoid I50 furthermore closes switch blade I52, which latter establishes an energizing circuit for the control solenoid I41.

Energization of the control solenoid I41 moves the armature I45 against the thrust of the spring I48 toward the .right with regard to Figure 9, thereby causing the valve members I42 and I43 to open their respective valves I21 and I38. At this time the pressure in the upper portion of the press cylinder I25 has already been reduced to such an extent that it will not operate the tonnage control valve I23, while the excessive pressure in the clamping cylinders I33 is released through the pressure relief valve I40. The press now begins its actual drawing operation in the usual manner.

When, at the end of the drawing operation, a predetermined pressure has been built up in the upper portion of the press cylinder I25, this pressure is conveyed through conduit I25 to the tonconnected, by means of a conduit I12, with a control cylinder I13 having reciprocably mounted therein a plunger I14. The plunger I14 is engaged by one end of a strong spring I15, the other end of which engages the upper end of the cylinder I13. The plunger I14 has, furthermore, connected therewith a control rod I15, carrying a bell crank lever I11, which is pivoted to the rod I15 by means of a pivot I18.

The rod I15 is provided with an arm I18 to which is attached one end of a spring I80, the other end of which is connected to a pivot I8I carried by the arm I82 of the lever I11. The arm I82 is adapted to cooperate with a limit switch I83 so as to close the latter when the arm I82 engages the limit switch I83 during the downward movement of the rod I15, while the arm I82 slides around the switch I83 when the rod I15 moves upwardly.

The control circuit of the structure of Figure 11 is shown in Figure 12, and will be clearly understood by a brief description of the operation of Figure 11.

When it is intended to cause the press of Figure 11 to perform a working cycle, the operator closes the starter switch I84, thereby closing an energizing circuit for the eontactor solenoid I85, which energizing circuit comprises main sup- 7 tactor blade I 8| so that the latter establishes a holding circuit for the solenoid I85, which holding circuit comprises main supply line I85, line I82, contactor blade IOI. line I83, line I81, contactor solenoid I85, tonnage control valve I88 and main supply line I88.

Energization of the 'contactor solenoid I85 also closes the contactor blade I84, which latter estab-- lishes an energizing circuit for the pump solenoid lll. Inergisation of the pump solenoid Ill actuates the armature Ill (Figure 11) so as to cause the latter to shift the three arm lever I51 which, in its turn by means of the linkage I, move; the pump lla into full delivery forward stroke position. Pressure fluid from the pump Ila is therefore delivered through conduit ll.

' into the upper portion of the press cylinder I and withdrawn from the lower portion of the press cylinder I through conduit 2".

Similar .to the embodiment of Figure 1, the pressram I55, main platen l" and blankholder I" move downwardly. During this downward movement of the ram, platen and blankholder,

the two-way valves 2" and 202m closed by a spring not shownin the drawings. .When the shearing means 20 engages the work piece, pressure builds up in the upper portion of the press cylinder I so that the surge valve 2 closes, and pressure also builds up in the clamping cylinders "1- since, as previously mentioned, the

valves 2ll and 252 are closed. I v i In a manner-similar to that described in connection with Figure 1, the blankholder Ill now performs. the blanking tor, shearing operation.v

The pressure-acting upon the ram Ill during the blanking operation is conveyed through conduit I12 beneath the Milton I" and lifts the latter against the thrust of-the spring I15. As a result thereof. the piston rod m moves upwardly.

. while the lever arm I 82 slides around the switch when the blankholder IN is about'to complete,

or has completed, the blanking operation, the

pressure acting upon the ram I." has fallen off to such-an extent that the strong spring'lll.

moves the piston l'll downwardly.

Since the pin m on the rod m preventsthe movement of the lever lll in clockwisedlrectlon beyond a predetermined point. the downward movement of the rod I", connected to the pisswitch blidG-"M and main supply line I55. 7

Furthermore, the contactor solenoid 205 closes the contactor blade 2ll,thereby closing the energizing circuit for the valve solenoids-2H and 2" respectively moving the valves 2M and 2" into open position so that the conduits 2M and III connect the clamping cylinders li'llwi th' their-respective'pre'ssure relief-valves 2|. and ill. As a result of-the energization of the conta'ctor solenoid 208, also the contactor blade 2|.

closes and establishes an energizing circuit for the solenoid 12l5, which actuates the normally closed two-way valve 220 so as to establishiluid connection between the conduit" 22l,' branching sure relief valves 2li and 2", is the clamping cylinders I51. I

When. at the end of the drawing operation, a predetermined re sure has built up in the upper portion of the press cylinder, this pressure, which is conveyed through conduits Ill, 22l and 222 to the tonnage control valve l", actuates the latter so as to open the switch blade Illa, thereby breaking the holding circuit for the contactor solenoid I". As a result thereof, the energizing circuit for the pump solenoid I95 is broken, so that the spring in the servomotor 2la, pertaining to the pump lla, shifts the pumplia into full delivery retraction stroke position. The press ram I55 now starts its retraction stroke in a manner similar to that described in connection with Figure 1.

When, at the end of the retraction stroke, the

platen arm 228 engages the lever I", the. latter is shifted so as to cause the pump l' la to move to substantially neutral or no delivery position.

The press then comes to a halt and is ready for a newcycle.- Referring now to Figure 13, the general setup shown therein is similar to that of Figure 1, but

diii'ers therefrom primarily by'a slow down ar-' rangement controlling the movement of the ram 225 reciprocable in the press cylinder 225.

Communicating with the upper portion of the .press cylinder 225 is a conduit 225 leading to one side of the variable delivery pump lib, the other side of' which communicates through the conduit 221 with the lower portion of the press cylinder 225. Branching oil from the conduit 225 is a conduit 22! leading to a two-way valve 22! adapted, in its open position, to establish fluidconnection between the conduit 225 and the conduit 23. leading to the tonnage control valve 2"; The two-way valve 229 is normally held in closed position by means of the spring 232, but is adapted to be moved into open pos sition by energization of the solenoid 231' Similar to the arrangement of Figure 11, the

clamping cylinders 235 communicate with conduits 225 and 7225 respectively leading to twoway valves 23'! and 235, which are normally held in closed position by means of springs 235 and 2. The valves 231 and 2 are adapted tobe moved into open position by energization of the solenoids 2 and 242 respectively so as toallow excessive pressure in the clamping cylinders 2 toescape throughthe pressure relief valves 2- flnd- 2 into the conduit 5 leading to the fluid storage tank 2. The blankholder 241 carries 'blankholdlng means 2 and is also provided with I v a cam 24! adapted to close the switch 255.

to substantially neutral or on from the conduit I05, and the conduit 222 leading to the; tonnage control valve lll. From nowon the pressure prevailing in the upper'portion of the press cylinder I is conveyed to the tonnage. control valve 155: The press now performs its actual drawing operation, during which a predetermined pressure, controlled by the pres- A top of the cylinder 264 is a Thetop of the cylinder 2 is engaged by a I'Ihc main platen- 2" is operable, when",ap-- preaching its starting position, to shift the-bell crank lever 252 about its pivot 253 so that it actuates the push rod 254, pivotally connected" to the lever 252 in such a manner that the rod 254, by means of the lever, shifts the pump llb no delivery position.

The arm 2" is pivotally, connected to a control rod 255 passing through a control mechanism, generally designated 251, and connected to a control piston 255. The control piston 255 is reciprocable in a control cylinder 25! and is adapted to cooperate with a slow down piston 26. reciprocable in a bore 2". 4

A conduit 282 leads to a slow down valve 258 comprising a cylinder 2 and a plunger 2'5 reciprocable in the cylinder 2. Provided in the bleeder opening 258.

me e

spring 261, the lower end oi which continuously urges the plunger 265 into its lowermost position, in which the plunger 265 prevents fluid connection between the conduit 262 and a conduit 268, which latter communicateaby means of a conduit 269, with a pressure fluid source 218 which may, for instance, be a container filled with compressed air.

The plunger 265 is adapted to be moved upwardly against the thrust of the spring 261 by energization of the slow down solenoid 21 i Communicating with the conduit 268 is a starter valve 212, which comprises a cylinder 213 and a plunger 214 reciprocable in the cylinder 213. The cylinder 213 has, similar to the cylinder 264, a, bleeder opening 215 and a spring 216, continuously urging the plunger 214 into its lower position so as to prevent fluid communication between the conduit 268 and the conduit 211 leading to the control cylinder 259. The plunger 214 is adapted to be moved into its upper position against the thrust of the spring 216 by energization ofthe solenoid 218.

The electric control circuit for the structure of Figure 13 is shown in Figure 14 and will be best understood from a brief description of the operation of the device of- Figure 13.

It may be assumed that all parts in Figure 13 occupy the position shown therein and that it is now desired to perform a working cycle of the press. To this end the operator closes the starter switch 219, thereby establishing an energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid 288, which circuit comprises main supply line 28!, the switch 219, contactor solenoid 288, line 282 and main supply line 283. Energization of the solenoid 288 causes the contractor blade 284 to establish a holding circuit for the solenoid 288, which holding circuit comprises main supply line 28l, line 285, blade 23|a pertaining to the tonnage control valve 23l, line 286, blade 284, line 282 and main supply line 283, Energization of the solenoid 288 also causes the contactor blade 281 to electrically connect line 288, communicating with the main supply line 28l, with the line 289, comprising the starter solenoid 218 and leading to the main supply line 283.

Energization of the starter solenoid 218 moves the plunger 214 upwardly against the thrust of the spring 216 so that pressure fluid from the fluid source 218 passes through conduits 269 and 268, valve 212 and conduit 211 in part directly into the control cylinder 259 and, in part, through the check valve 298 into the control cylinder 259. As a a result thereof, the plunger 258 is moved toward the left with regard to Figure 13, expelling the fluid between the piston 258 and the piston 268 through the exhaust opening 29!. When the piston 258 engages the piston 268, it comes to a halt and has shifted the pump l3b intofull delivery forward stroke position.

Pressure fluid from the pump I 3b is now delivered through conduit 226 into the upper portion' of the press cylinder 225, while fluid is withdrawn from the lower portion of the press cylinder through conduit 221. The press ram 224, to-

gether with the main platen 25! and blankholder 241, moves downwardly by gravity as fast as fluid is withdrawn through conduit 221. downward movement, fluid from the tank 246 passes through a surge valve 292 to fill the upper During this of the ram 224 to the blankholder 241 begins so that pressure also begins to build up in the clamping cylinders 234. However, inasmuch as the valves 231 and 238 are closed, the ram 224 and blankholder 241 become hydraulically interlocked so that the pressure acting on the ram 224 is completely conveyed to the blinking means 248, which now start their actual blanking or shearing operation. Since, at this time, the two-way valve 229 is held closed by the spring 232, the increased pressure acting upon the ram 224 cannot operate the tonnage control valve 23 l At about, or shortly after, the completion of the blanking or shearing operation, the cam 249 closes the limit'switch 258, thereby energizing the contactor solenoid 293 through main supply line 2, lines 294 and 295 and main supply line 283. Energization of the solenoid 293 causes the contactor blade 296 to connect line 291, communicating with main supply line 28 I with the line 298, comprising the slow down solenoid 2H and leading to the main supply line 283.

Energization of the slow down solenoid 21l causes the latter to move the plunger 265 into its upper position against the thrust of the spring 261, thereby allowing pressure fluid from the fluid source 218 to pass through conduits 269, 268 and 262 into the left end of the bore 26l, where it acts upon the piston 268 and moves the latter toward the right until it abuts the shoulder 299. It will be appreciated that this rightward movement is brought about by the fact that the diameter of the piston 268 is greater than the diameter of the piston 258, while the presure acting on both pistons is the same.

The rightward movement of the piston 268 also causes rightward movement of the piston 258, and when the piston 268 comes to a stop, the

piston 258'has reached a. position which corresponds to a restricted forward delivery position of the pump 13b. Consequently, the movement of the ram 224 is slowed down to a desired extent,

. thereby cushioning the start of the actual drawing operation. The cam 249 has a certain length, I

to maintain the switch 258 closed for a predetermined time, so that also the solenoid 293 remains energized for the said time.

Energization of the solenoid 293 also causes closure of the contactor blade 388 so that the latter closes the energizing circuit for the contactor solenoid 38!, which circuit comprises main supply line 28l, line 382, contactor blade 388, line 383, contactor solenoid 38I, line 384 and main supply line 283. Energization of the solenoid 38l causes contactor blade 385 to establish a holding circuit for the solenoid 38I by connecting the line 386, communicating with the line 286, with the'line 383 which, through solenoid 38! and line 384, communicates with the main supply line 283. Energization of the solenoid 38l also causes the contactor blade 381 to establish an energizing circuit for the valve solenoids 24! and 242, 'while simultaneously the contactor blade 388 establishes connection of the lines 389 and M8 with the line 3 comprising the valve solenoid 233 and leading to the main supply line 283.

Energization of the valve solenoids 24!, 242 and 233 causes opening of the valves .231, 238 and 229. The excessive pressure from the clamping cylinders 234 may now escape through the pressure relief valves 243 and 244, while the pressure I in the upper portion of the press cylinder 225,

which has in the meantime fallen ofi, is not sutficient at this time to operate the tonnage control valve 2il. The blankholder 241 now acts in usual manner as blankholder to hold the piece, while the ram 224 continues its advancing tandperi'ormstheactualdrawingoperation.

2', so that the spring 2" moves the plimger 2II' into its lower position and allows the-fluid in the left portion of the bore 2" to escape through conduit 262 and the bleeder opening 2. Inasmuch as the fluid source 21! still communicates with the right end of the bore 2" through the conduit 2'", the pressure acting upon the piston 25! shifts the latter again toward the left until the piston 2" is halted by the left end of the bore 2il, at which time the pump lib is again in full delivery forward stroke position, thereby speeding up the movement of theram 224.

when; at the end of the drawing operation,

' a predetermined pressure has developed in the upper portion of the press cylinder 22', this pressure is conveyed through the conduits 223 and iii to the tonnage control valve 2il, thereby causing the latter to open its switch blade 2ila. Opening of the switch blade 2ila breaks the holding circuit for the solenoid 2", thereby caus-.

ing the switch blades 2i4 and 2" to return to open position so that the starter solenoid 2" becomes deenergized. The spring v2'Ii of the 7 fluid source :1! and the conduit 2'". quently, the spring iii -.-in the servomotor 3 of the pump lib shifts the pump lib into full delivery retraction stroke position, while shifting the lever 255 about the pivot ill so that the pls-t ton in moves toward the right with regard to Figure 13.

During this downward movement, the fluid expelled from the cylinder 25! escapes through the conduit 2'" and the bleederopening 2". Pressure fluid from the pump lib is now conveyed through conduit 221 into the lower portion of the cylinder 225, while pressure fluid from the upper portion of the press cylinder 225 ucapes in part through conduit 228 to the pump lib and in part through surge valve 2i2 into the tank 24. The press ram 224, therefore, moves downwardly.

Opening of the tonnage control switch blade 2ila also breaks the holding circuit for the valve solenoids 2, 242 and 233 so that the respective springs 24' and 2i2 again move the said valves into closing position. when the ram 224 approaches the end of its retraction stroke, the main platen 2il engages the lever 2i2 so as to causethelatter, bymeansoftherod2l4and lever 25!, to move the pump lib substantially into neutral or no delivery position. The press thencomestoahaltandisreadyforanew ycle.

Referring now to Figure 15, the same illustrates the invention in connection with a drawing press having a blankholder which is operable inde-. pendently of the press ram. More specifically,

the structure diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 15 comprises a press head, generally designated ili, having a press cylinder ill and two clamping cylinders ill and iii. Reciprocabiy moimtedinthepresscylinderil'llsapressram' i2l connected to the press platen i2l which carries the press plunger i22. The press plunger i22 is adapted, in cooperation with the die "3, to shape the work piece 324.

Communicating with the upper portion of the press cylinder ill is a conduit 325 leading to a four-way valve 326 of standard design. adapted to effect communication between the conduit 32' and the conduit ii'l leading to the pressure side of the pump iii. The suction side of pump 323 communicates through conduit i2! with the fluid storage tank iii. When the valve i2. connects the conduits 325 and 321 with each other it simultaneously establishes fluid connection between the conduit iil, communicating with the lower portion of the press cylinder 3", and the conduit ii2 leadins to the tank iii. When the valve i2 is shifted into its other pomtion, it connects the conduit i2! with the conduit ii2, while effecting fluid connection between the conduits 321 and iii. The valve member of the valve 328 is connected with a valve rod iii adapted to be actuated by an arm 334 connected to the platen i2l.

,When the ram 320 approaches its starting position, the arm ii4 shifts the rod iii so that the latter moves the valve 323 into its neutral or by-passing position, in which the delivery of the pump iii is by-passed through conduit ii2 into the tank iii.

Reciprocably mounted in the clamping cylinders iii and iii are clamping plungers 335 and iii respectively, which have connected thereto a blankholder iii. The blankholder 331 carries blankingor shearing means 338 in a manner similar to the structure of Figure 1. The shearing means iii is adapted, in cooperation with the edges iii and i4i, to blank the work piece 324. The upper portion of the clamping cylinders iii and ill communicates with a conduit 3" leading to a four-way valve 342 of the same type a the four-way valve i2. Similar to the latter, the valve i42 is adapted to establish fluid connection between the conduit 3 and the conduit i43 leading to the pressure side of a pump 344, the suction side of which is connected through conduit i4! with the tank 330. when the valve 342 establishes fluid connection between the conduits' i4l and i4i, the conduit i4i connects the conduit i4'l with the exhaust conduit i4i. The valve 342 iii adapted to be shifted into by-passing position by means of a push rod i4! and the blankholder arm iti, so that the delivery or the pump 344 is ivy-passed into the tank iii.

The pump i44 is a variable delivery pump having a servomotor iil which, in response to a predetermined pressure thereof, moves the pump i44 to substantially neutral or no delivery position. The servomotor iii communicates through a conduit 352 with a three-way valve iii normally urged by a spring 314 into position for connecting the conduit 352 with the conduit 354. The conduit 354 leads to the conduit i45. When the conduit 352 communicates with the conduit "4, fluid connection is prevented between the conduit il2 and the conduit iii communicating with the conduit iii. The'conduit iii has one end connected to the conduit i4i,

while the other end leads to a pressure responsive switch 351 adapted, in response to a predetermined pressure, to establish electric connection between the line 358, communicating with the main supply line 359, and the line 368 connected to one end of a contactor solenoid 361. The other end of the contactor solenoid 361 communicates through line 362 with the main supply line 363.

The solenoid 361 controls contaotor blades 364 and 365, of which the contactor blade 364, when closed, connects the line 368 with the line 366 which, in its turn, is adapted to be connected with line 361 by closure of the blade 368. The blade 368 is connected to a control rod 369 which is siidable relative to the blankholder arm 358, but adapted to be lifted by the latter by engagement of the arm 358 with the collar 318. C10- sure of the contactor blade 365 is adapted to connect line 311, communicating with main supply line 359, with the line 312, comprising the valve solenoid 313 and leading to the main supply line 363. The solenoid 313, when energized, establishes fluid connection between the conduits 352 and 355, while preventing fluid connection between the conduits 352 and 354.

To operate the structure of Figure 15, the operator first starts the pump 344 and shifts the valve 342 so that pressure fluid from the pump 344 is delivered through conduit 343 and valve 342 into the conduit 341 communicating with the upper portion of the press cylinders 318 and 319, while fluid connection is established between the conduits 341 and 346 with the exhaust line 348. As a result, the clamping plungers 335 and 336 with the blankholder 331 move downwardly. When the blankholder 331, during this downward movement, has travelled by a predetermined distance, the blade 368 connects the lines 361 and 366 with each other. While the blade 368 remains in this closing position, the

' blankholder 331 continues to move downwardly and eventually causes its blanking means 338 to The operator then actuates the valve 326 so as to establish fluid connection between the conduits 325 and 321, while connecting the conduit 331 with the conduit 332. Pressure fluid delivered by the pump 328 is now passed to the upper portion of the press cylinder, 311, while fluid may escape from the lower portion of the cylinder 311. through conduit 331 and conduit 332 into the tank 338. The ram 328 and, therefore, the platen 321 and press plunger 322 move downwardly and now perform the actual drawing operation.

At the end of the drawing operation, the operator reverses the valve 326 so that pressure fluid from the pump 328 is passed through conduits 321 and 331 into the lower portion of the press cylinder 311, while fluid may escape from the upper portion of the press cylinder 311 through conduits 325 and 332 into the tank 338.

When the ram 328 approaches the end of its retraction stroke, the platen arm 334 actuates the rod 333 so that the latter shifts the valve 326 into neutral or by-passing position, in which the delivery of the pump 328 is by-passed into the tank 338. As a result thereof, the ram 328 comes to a halt. The operator thereupon reverses the valve 342 so that the conduit 343 communicates with the conduit 346. This causes a pressure drop and, as a result, the pump 344 is again put on stroke. Due to the said pressure drop, also the switch 351 retracts its blade 351a, thereby breaking the holding circuit for' the solenoid 313 and causing the spring 314 to move the valve 353 into position in which the conduit 352 communicates with the conduit 354,

while fluid connection is interrupted between blank the work piece 324. At about the end of this blanking operation, the pressure in the pressure line 343 and the conduit 356 has increased to such an extent that it causes the switch 351 to move it blade 351a into position for interconnecting the lines 358 and 368. This establishes an energizing circuit for the contactor-solenoid 361 so that the latter moves its blades 364 and 365 into closing position. Inasmuch as the blade 368 is already in closing position, closure of the blade 364 establishes a holding circuit for the solenoid 361.

Closure of the blade 365 establishes an energizing circuit for the valve solenoid 313 which energizing circuit comprises main supply line 359, line 311, blade 365, line 312, solenoid 313 and main supply line 363. Energization of the solenoid 313 moves the valve 353 into position for connecting the conduits 355 and 352. By this time, the blanking operation is completed.

. Due to the connection of the conduit 355 with the conduit 353, the pressure prevailing in the upper portion of the clamping cylinders 318 and 319 is conveyed to the servomotor 351 and, while the blankholder holds the work piece 324 in clamped position, a predetermined pressure on the blankholder plungers causes the pump 344 to move to substantially neutral or no delivery position. In this way, a predetermined clamping pressure is maintained on the clamping plungers 335 and 336 and, thereby, the blankholder 331.

the conduits 352 and 355. Pressure fluid from the pump 344 is now delivered through conduits 343, 346 and 341 into the lower portion of the clamping cylinders 318 and 313 so that the latter move upwardly and expel the fluid from the upper portion of the clamping cylinders through conduits 341 and 348 into the tank 338.

When the blankholder 331 approaches the end of its retraction stroke, the blankholder arm 358 actuates the rod 349 so as to cause the latter to shift the valve 342 into its by-passing position in which the delivery of the pump 344 is bypassed into the tank 338. The blankholder 331 comes to a halt and the press is ready for a new cycle.

Referring now to the arrangement of Figure 16, the same is very similar to that of Figure 15, and similar parts are, therefore, designated with the same reference numerals as in Figure 15, however, with the additional letter. a.

The structure of Figure 16 differs from that of Figure 15 substantially only in that the pump 344 with the servomotor 351 has been replaced by a pump 315, having its pressure side connected to thefour-way valve 342a, while the suction side is connected through the exhaust conduit 316 comprising a variable pressure relief valve 311, and having one end connected to the tank 338a, while the other end is connected to a two-way valve 318. The two-way valve 318 is continuously urged into closing position by means of a spring 319, but is adapted to move into open position by means of the valve solenoid 313a, in which position the conduit 316 commumcates with the conduit 355a.

The operation of the structure of Figure 16 corresponds to that of Figure 15, and need not be described further. The only difference consists in that when the valve solenoid 3130 is 

